Georgia Forestry Had Economic Impact of $21.3 billion in 2017

Georgia’s forest industry continues to fuel the state’s economic engine. According to a new report, in 2017, increases were recorded in the number of jobs, net state revenue, and output – the total revenue generated by the industry. Statistics documented in “2017 Economic Benefits of the Forest Industry in Georgia, 2017,” from the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Enterprise Innovation Institution, detail advances made in categories across the board.

“Georgia’s forest industry is making steady gains that impact everyone in the state,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Chuck Williams. “The number of jobs and compensation are up, dollars brought into the state are up, and tax revenue generated for the state was $970 million. Simultaneously, our forests are providing critical environmental services. It’s a healthy report to kick off the new year,” Williams said.

Economic activity is measured by output, employment, and compensation generated directly by Georgia’s forest industry. In 2017, output was up 2.7% from the previous year to $21.3 billion in total revenue. For the seventh consecutive year, positive job growth was reported, up 3.9% to 53,933 jobs.

Compensation rose 2.5%, a gain second only to the food processing sector.

Other highlights of the report include:

Georgia’s pulp and paper industry continued to dominate all sectors within the forest industry,
with 62% of total revenue output.

Total impact of the forest industry (dollars brought in that are recirculated through all sectors)
rose 1.9% to $35.9 billion.

Almost half of Georgia’s forestry related jobs are located in three regions: The Atlanta
Regional Commission, Southern Georgia, and Southwest Georgia.

“The Georgia Forestry Commission works daily to keep our state’s forest resources sustainable for our needs today and for future generations,” said Williams. “The people who make up Georgia’s forest industry can be proud that they are leaders in the state as well as the nation.”